Bill Marriott: An example of effective hotel blogging

by Josiah Mackenzie on September 06, 2008 1 Comment

Marriott estimates that CEO Bill Marriott’s blog has generated $5 million in bookings for the company.

If you can’t decide whether to start a blog to promote your hotel, then perhaps this will move you to action.  The Washington Post recently published an article on using blogs as part of your marketing mix, and profiled Bill Marriott’s Marriott on the Move as an example of effective CEO blogging.

Kathleen Matthews, head of communications at Marriott, came up with the idea for Bill Marriott to start an executive blog.  The blog was launched in January 2007 to much fanfare, with the media wondering if a blog was a legitimate platform for sharing information.

Now, with over $5 million in additional revenue, it’s clear the project has been a success.  Mr. Marriott seeks to make a personal connection with his readers, appreciating how the blog makes him look like a human “just like everyone else.”  His use of experiential and observational posts (which we discussed yesterday) helps him do this.

While you may not have the platform that Bill Marriott has as chief executive of Marriott International, there’s not doubt you could reap similar benefits from starting your own hotelier blog.

You just may see your number of bookings increase.



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Article by Josiah Mackenzie // September 06, 2008 Josiah helps hospitality organizations use technology and the social web to provide better service and generate more profits.

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Comments

 
  • Jeff Schrembs // July 14, 2009 @ 3:09 am Reply

    Bill Marriott is a man who is honest, hard working, sincere, loves his family, open to anyone, and works hard to ensure that all of his customers have had their expectations “exceeded or met”. There is no finer human being, in the “Corporate World” than Bill Marriott.
    They strive for the best from the people they hire, train, retain to the “thread counts” on the sheets.
    From the layout of the towels to the placement of the wireless internet. Everything is laid out to maximize usage and to minimize waste…and drama.
    I APPLAUD what Bill Marriott has done alone with his family members.
    It is our wish that Bill Marriott, and his family, have great success (personally and professionally) in all of their endeavors.
    Take care and God bless.

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